Let us explain the costs, culture, and lifestyle to help you decide if this city, with its perfect balance of big-city atmosphere and relaxed beach vibe, is right for you.
Looking for the perfect balance of a big city atmosphere, a relaxed beach vibe, and a more affordable cost of living? Then Valencia, the city of futuristic arts, historic charm, and the birthplace of paella, is the place for you.
As Spain’s third-largest city, it offers a world-class experience for international students without the overwhelming pace of a massive capital.
This guide will give you a real, practical look at the student life in Valencia. We’ll cover everything from the realistic cost of living and the best neighborhoods for students, to the city’s unique culture, helping you make an informed decision about your study abroad adventure.
To compare Valencia with other amazing Spanish cities, check out our main guide: How to Choose a City in Spain for Your Spanish Language Study.
(Last Updated: February 2026)
Key Takeaways
- Valencia is a vibrant city with a rich culture and a major student population, but it also has a relaxed, sunny beach lifestyle.
- While it’s a major city, the cost of living is significantly lower than in Madrid or Barcelona, making it a very affordable option for students.
- Valencia is where the worldwide known dish Paella originates from, and hence where you can find the best Paella in Spain.
- Valencia is famous for its stunning, futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, as well as its beautiful and historic Old Town.
- The unique Turia Gardens, a 9km-long park in a former riverbed, is the heart of the city and perfect for biking, sports, and relaxing.
- Valencia is home to the world-famous Las Fallas festival, a spectacular week-long celebration of fire, art, and community.
Valencia at a Glance: An International Student’s Scorecard
| Feature | Description |
| Vibe | Modern, relaxed, cultural, beachy |
| Best for | Students seeking a high quality of life and great value in a major coastal city. |
| Average Monthly Cost | €700 – €1,200 (typically lower than Madrid/Barcelona). |
| Key Highlights | Las Fallas festivalSan Nicolás, the Sistine Chapel of Valencia Torres de Serranos |
Is Valencia a Good City for International Students?
Yes, Valencia is an excellent city for international students, offering a unique combination of a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, an exciting cultural scene.
Many students wonder, “is Valencia a good student city?” The answer is a clear yes. It has a large and welcoming student population, and it offers a fantastic quality of life.
We find that many Go! Go! España students choose Valencia as it offers somewhat of a middle point between a more affordable alternative to Barcelona and Madrid, while still enjoying many of the benefits of living in a big city.
What makes Valencia a good place to study abroad?
Valencia is a major city with high-quality Spanish language schools and universities, with a less ‘metropolitan’ feel than major cities like Madrid or Barcelona.
Its flat terrain and excellent public transport make it very easy to get around, and the friendly locals are accustomed to welcoming international students, with tourism in Valencia also being quite common.
What is the student life like in Valencia?
The lifestyle is a perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Students can spend their days exploring the historic El Carmen neighborhood, their afternoons biking through the massive Turia Gardens, and their weekends relaxing on the city’s main beach, Playa de la Malvarrosa.
What is the Real Cost of Living in Valencia for International Students?
The cost of living in Valencia is very affordable for a major Spanish city, with an average monthly budget for students ranging from €700 to €1,200.
Check out our accommodations portal to look over the current cost of student accommodation in Valencia.
A room in a shared flat is reasonably priced, and a monthly transport pass can be as low as €20-€50.
For a full comparison with other cities and more budgeting tips, see our shared guide to the real cost of studying in Spain.
Where are the Best Places in Valencia for International Students to Live?
The best neighborhoods for students are those that are central, full of life, and offer a unique local atmosphere.
- Ruzafa: This is the city’s trendy, “hipster” neighborhood, known for its cool cafes, independent boutiques, and buzzing nightlife.
- Benimaclet: As a more traditional student neighborhood, Benimaclet has a charming, bohemian, village-like feel and is a great place to find affordable accommodation.
- El Carmen: This is the historic old town, full of narrow, winding streets, street art, and endless tapas bars.
For more tips on finding the best student accommodation Valencia has to offer, read our comprehensive guide to finding student accommodation in Spain.
Schools in Valencia For International Students
Valencia is a major educational hub, known for its high quality of life and welcoming atmosphere for students from around the world. Go! Go! España is proud to partner with many of Valencia’s best institutions.
Top-Rated Spanish Language Schools in Valencia
For students who want to learn Spanish in Valencia, the city is a fantastic choice, offering a clear accent and endless opportunities for practice. Our partners are chosen for their excellent teaching methods and vibrant student communities. Some of our trusted partner schools in Valencia include:
- Españole International House
- Taronja
- AIP Language Institute
- Hispania
- El Carmen Spanish School
- Route 66 Idiomas
For more details and to apply, explore our full list of partner Spanish language schools in Valencia.
Prestigious Universities and Specialized Schools in Valencia
Beyond language studies, Valencia is home to excellent Spanish universities and specialized schools, particularly in the fields of art, design, and business. Our partners in Valencia include:
- Universidad Europea
- LABA Valencia, School of Art Design and New Media
- ESIC Business & Marketing School
To learn more about degree programs, see our list of partner universities and specialized schools in Valencia.
What are the Best Things to Do in Valencia (On a Student Budget)?
- Visit the City of Arts and Sciences: You cannot miss this stunning, futuristic complex of museums, an opera house, and an aquarium.
- Explore the Old Town: Get lost in the charming streets of El Carmen and visit the massive Central Market, a feast for the senses.
- Relax in the Turia Gardens: This incredible 9km-long park in a former riverbed is the green heart of the city and is perfect for biking, jogging, and having picnics with friends.
- Enjoy the Beach Life: Spend an afternoon relaxing or playing volleyball at the city’s main beach, Playa de la Malvarrosa.
- Experience Las Fallas: If you are in Valencia in March, you will witness one of Spain’s most spectacular and unique festivals, where giant, artistic sculptures are built and then ceremoniously burned.
- Beachfront Dining: Eat some traditional Valencian Paella in La Malvarrosa Beach at Casa Isabel.
FAQ About Living and Studying in Valencia
1. Do I need a car to live in Valencia?
Not at all. Valencia is a very flat and walkable city, and it has an excellent public transportation system, including a tram, metro, buses, and a popular bike-sharing program.
2. Is Valencia a safe city?
Yes, Valencia is considered a very safe city for international students. As with any large city, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings, but it is known for its relaxed and safe atmosphere. Valencia scores 70.3/100 on the Numbeo Safety Index, referencing a high level of safety for a big city, and an overall safety rating of 4.6/5 for solo female travellers.
3. What is the weather like in Valencia?
Valencia has a fantastic Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and sunny, and winters are very mild, with many sunny days even in January and February.
4. Is the beach far from the city center?
The main city beach, Playa de la Malvarrosa, is easily accessible from the city center by a short bus or tram ride.
5. Is the local food good?
It’s incredible! Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and trying an authentic one is a must-do experience. The city is also famous for its fresh produce from the surrounding “Huerta” (orchard).
Conclusion: Is Valencia Your Perfect Match?
Valencia offers a fantastic and well-balanced experience that is hard to find anywhere else. It truly is the city that has it all: the culture and amenities of a major European hub, the relaxed lifestyle of a sunny beach town, and a cost of living that is much more manageable for an international student on a budget.
From the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the historic charm of El Carmen and the spectacular Las Fallas festival, Valencia will surprise and delight you at every turn. If you are looking for a high quality of life in a modern, active, and affordable city, then Valencia is an exceptional choice for your study abroad adventure.
If the Turia gardens and Mediterranean beaches are calling you, it’s time to start your planning. Visit our complete guide to learning Spanish in Spain for your step-by-step logistical roadmap.
Ready to enjoy the famous Valencian lifestyle? Explore our partner language schools in Valencia and get free application support from Go! Go! España!
For international university students, discover our partner universities in Valencia. Or compare Valencia with other cities in our main Destinations Guide.
